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Hand Washing
Overview
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The hands serve as the conduit for the transmission
of microorganisms from person to person or from a
contaminated object to a person. Thus, the most effective
technique in preventing and controlling the spread of
infection is through hand washing. Clean hands with short
finger-nails, and no rings minimise the risk of
contamination. Although it is impossible to keep your bare
hands germ-free, it is your responsibility to limit the
transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes to the
person needing care or vice versa. |
When to Wash Your Hand?.
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Before and
after rendering direct care.
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After each
contact with bloody or body fluids.
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After
contacting contaminated surfaces or objects.
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After you
remove your gloves.
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Tips on Basic Hand Washing.
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Wet your hands
and lower arms thoroughly under running water.
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During
washing, keep the hands and forearms lower than the elbows.
This would ensure that water flows from the least to the
most contaminated area, rinsing microorganisms into the
sink.
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Apply soap
to all aspects of your hands,
including
the backs.
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Scrub all
surfaces for at least 15
seconds using friction. Interlace the fingers and rub the
palms and back of your hands with a circular motion at least
5 times each.
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Pay
particular attention to the areas between the fingers and
under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out.
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Rinse your hands
and wrists thoroughly, keeping hands down and elbows up.
This will prevent water dripping down your elbows.
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Dry well
with a clean or disposable towel from the fingers up to the
wrists and forearms. Drying from the cleanest area
(fingertips) to the least clean (forearms) is necessary to
avoid contamination.
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Use a
clean, dry paper towel to turn off the faucet to prevent
contaminating the cleansed hands.
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If soap and
water are not available, antiseptic hand cleanser may be
used. The hands should then be washed with soap and water
as soon as possible.
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